Your Chamber is supporting small business on Nov. 26 and you can too!

Supporting local small businesses (90 percent of our Chamber membership) helps the Springfield area preserve what makes our city great.

We are pleased to announce that the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in the second annual “Small Business Saturday," on Nov. 26, a day to shop at small businesses that create jobs, boost national and local economies, and enrich our community.

Small business advocate groups, public and private organizations, and elected officials joined American Express, the founding sponsor of Small Business Saturday, to launch the national program in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more demand for their products and services. Get free tools for your business.

Ninety-three percent of consumers agree it is important to support small businesses they value. Last year, more than 1.5 million people shared that sentiment by ‘liking’ the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. To date, the page is over two million strong.

You can visit Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to join the initiative, give a shout out to your favorite local stores and restaurants, and pledge to shop at small businesses on November 26, 2011!

Check out ways your business can get involved in this national movement!

City of Springfield – Ballot Issue Proposal

City of Springfield voters will consider a proposed initiative petition in February that would require all local employers to use the federal E-Verify system when hiring new employees.  The proposed ordinance also stipulates penalties including fines, suspension or revocation of business licenses for businesses that do not comply with the ordinance.  The ballot proposal was initiated by the Ozarks Minutemen as a means to locally address the issue of illegal immigration.   

The Chamber’s Local Issues Public Policy Task Force will review the issue this month and the Board of Directors will consider the proposal at its December meeting.  Chamber members are invited to submit written comments about this issue for the board to consider.  Please send your comments by December 14 to Brad Bodenhausen at the Chamber office:  P.O. Box 1687, Springfield, MO 65801 or by e-mail to brad@springfieldchamber.com. 
 

Nominate now for the 2012 Springfieldian

The Chamber is seeking nominations for its most acclaimed honor, the Springfieldian award, which will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting festivities Jan. 27, 2012.

The award recognizes a person who has performed outstanding, dedicated service to the community, helping others in the Springfield area. For well over 50 years, the Chamber has followed the tradition of honoring dedicated and committed community leaders. View previous recipients. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 30.

Submit a nomination.